Wellington Racing Club - 17 July 2010 - R 10
638(3)(b)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: N Goodwin Stipendiary Steward
Defendant: J Parkes
Information No: 6682
Meeting: Wellington Racing Club
Date: 17 July 2010
Venue: Trentham
Race: 10
Rule No: 638 (3) (b)
Judicial Committee: N Moffatt, Chair - T.Castles Committee Member
FACTS:
Following the running of Race 10 Mr J Parkes admitted a charge of excessive use of the whip brought under Rule 638 (3) (b). The Information alleged that J Parkes used his whip in an excessive manner prior to the 200m.
Mr Goodwin explained that Mr Parkes hit his horse 11 times in succession prior to the 200 metres and then went on to win the race by a narrow margin. Mr Neal showed the video of that stage of the race and identified to the committee the number of times the whip was used.
“The guidelines are that once a horse enters the final straight it can be hit with the drawn whip up to six times and then a rider should ride hands and heels for six strides before hitting the horse again with the drawn whip and continue until the 200 metres. From this point on a rider may use the drawn whip continuously to the winning post if the horse is holding its position or improving.”
Mr Parkes had no dispute with the Stewards’ interpretation saying that “the film doesn’t lie”. He said that he must have had a momentary rush of blood to the head.
SUBMISSIONS:
Mr Goodwin produced Mr Parke’s riding record which showed a breach of this same rule last year incurring a $300 fine.
Mr Parkes had nothing to add in relation to penalty.
DECISIONS and REASONS:
In coming to a decision on penalty the committee took into account Mr Parke’s admission of the breach, his record, the number of times that he hit his mount and the manner in which the whip was used.
Mr Goodwin mentioned the fact that Mr Parkes won the race by a small margin but in response to a question from the Chairman could not say that Mr Parkes gained an unfair advantage by using his whip outside of the guidelines.
This was Mr Parke’s second charge of excessive whip use within 9 months therefore the penalty must reflect that. Accordingly he is fined the sum of $400.00
N Moffatt T Castles
Chair Committee Member
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